May holds significance at BMC as a month of celebration and introspection, marked by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. As active participants in the BMC API employee resource group (ERG), we are acutely aware of the unique hurdles our global communities face, particularly within high-pressure environments like the tech industry. Moreover, staying connected to cultural roots serves as a vital pillar for better mental health among API professionals.

By engaging in traditions, community events, and conversations with family members, we fortify our resilience and sense of belonging. In this blog, we aim to provide practical strategies for managing daily stress, promoting mental well-being, and nurturing a supportive workplace culture.

Effective stress management is not only vital for our mental health but also crucial for enhancing productivity and job satisfaction. Here are our top five tips for effectively managing daily stress:

1. Prioritize regular physical activity: Incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine can work wonders for your mood and energy levels. Whether it’s a brisk morning jog, a leisurely lunchtime walk, or a post-work cycling session, physical activity has been scientifically proven to uplift spirits. Even short bursts of exercise can yield significant benefits. For the benefits of consistent physical activity, check out Eating Well’s guide.
2. Maintain a balanced diet and hydration: Fueling your body with well-balanced meals and staying adequately hydrated throughout the day can significantly improve focus and energy levels. It’s essential to be mindful of your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as they can impact stress levels and overall mood. For more details on maintaining a healthy diet, the National Institute of Mental Health provides useful resources and tips here.
3. Prioritize quality sleep: Quality sleep plays a pivotal role in maintaining good mental health. Strive to establish a consistent sleep schedule and cultivate a bedtime routine that minimizes exposure to blue light from electronic devices. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and enhances sleep quality, leaving you more alert and resilient during the day. Learn more about managing blue light for better sleep at the Sleep Foundation.
4. Embrace mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Set aside dedicated time for relaxation and mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises. These techniques not only alleviate stress but also bolster emotional resilience. Integrating these activities into your daily routine can offer a much-needed reprieve and help you manage work-related stress more effectively. Start exploring these techniques at Headspace.
5. Set realistic goals and boundaries: In the fast-paced environment of the tech industry, it’s imperative to set achievable goals and establish clear boundaries. Learn to gracefully decline additional responsibilities when feeling overwhelmed, and prioritize taking regular breaks to prevent burnout. Celebrate even the smallest achievements, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. For tips on maintaining healthy boundaries at work, visit LinkedIn Learning.

By practicing these stress management strategies, you can take proactive steps towards improving your mental well-being. It’s equally crucial to foster connections with colleagues and seek support, when necessary, to reinforce a workplace culture characterized by openness and care.

As we commemorate the rich heritage of the API community this May, let’s recommit ourselves to prioritizing mental health. By implementing these top tips, our aspiration is to cultivate a healthier, more productive, and more inclusive work environment. Let’s endeavor to make a positive impact, one day at a time.

May is an incredibly significant month as we come together to celebrate both Asian-Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. Both observances hold immense importance in fostering understanding, empathy, and support within our communities. As proud mothers and co-captains of the BMC API Employee Resource Group (ERG), we are personally invested in raising awareness about the unique experiences of the API community and the vital role mental health plays in our lives. In this blog post, we want to focus on microaggressions, their impact on mental health, and how we can all contribute to fostering a more inclusive work environment.

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, statements or actions that convey stereotypes or prejudices towards a particular group. Microaggressions can take many forms—from assuming someone’s proficiency in various subjects based on their race to making inappropriate comments about their language or accent. These everyday encounters may seem harmless in the moment but can cause significant harm to a person’s mental well-being over time.

A Public Health study showed that experiencing microaggressions can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression in API women. As we navigate our way through the unique challenges of balancing work, family, and cultural expectations, these additional stressors can take a toll on our overall mental health. This May, it’s crucial that we recognize the importance of addressing microaggressions and creating a supportive environment for all employees, regardless of their background. We’ve shared some guidance on proactive steps you can take to eliminate bias here.

To combat microaggressions and foster a more inclusive workplace, BMC has implemented proactive initiatives that include mandatory unconscious bias training; free access to CulturePop, a self-paced, micro-learning app that encourages cross-cultural curiosity; an ongoing Diversity Speaker Series for our employees; and supporting our API ERG to actively promote diversity and inclusion. By actively participating in these programs, we can all contribute to a more equitable and supportive work environment.

In addition to our internal efforts, it’s essential to partner with API organizations and mental health resources on a global level to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by API individuals. Some notable organizations include Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), and the Asian Mental Health Collective. Learn more about API cultures and traditions through the Asian Art Museum Virtual Tour and a curated collection of Asian recipes.

As we celebrate API Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to recognizing and addressing microaggressions in the workplace through our collective efforts. By engaging and partnering with global API organizations and mental health resources, we can empower our community and ensure that our mental well-being is prioritized. Together, we can make a difference—one conversation at a time.